Position Description
Reporting Line
The Local Project Officer reports to the National Project Coordinator.
The Local Project Officer oversees the development and implementation of activities for projects in Coro State, as well as the RET team designated in Coro State.
The Local Project Officer works in close coordination with the Program Manager and the National M&E Officer.
Main location
The position is based in the RET Project Office in Falcón State, located in the city of Coro.
General Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the National Project Coordinator, the Local Project Officer is responsible for:
- Plan, manage and coordinate the appropriate and timely programmatic, technical and financial implementation of all activities, processes and results planned in RET International projects in the State and based on humanitarian principles. Also according to WFP standards.
- Ensure the implementation of projects on time, cost and scope, in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
- Know and apply all RET policies and procedure manuals; ensure their dissemination among the local project team and their application in general operations and project implementation in particular.
- Supervise and guide the work of local project teams in the State.
- Coordinate closely with the different areas of work, namely, M&E, Technical, Finance, Administration and Human Resources, to ensure the appropriate and timely use of the resources necessary for efficient and effective execution of each project in the State;
Specific Responsibilities
Project Implementation
- At the beginning of each project, participate in planning meetings with the rest of the project team to develop the Work Plan with clearly established milestones that correspond to the main activities, processes and results of the project.
- Once the Work Plan has been finalized and validated, ensure that it is known and handled by the entire local project team under your charge.
- Conduct regular planning meetings with local project staff to ensure that the project, work plan, strategies and technical, programmatic and financial tools to be implemented are provided with feedback and fully understood by the local team;
- Ensure the implementation of the Work Plan in time, cost and quality, in accordance with the established technical, monitoring, programmatic and financial guidelines and procedures.
- Guide and direct the local team in the implementation of activities, always focused on achieving results and objectives in strict compliance with the provisions of the Work Plan and the Budget.
- Monitor and ensure timely and coordinated updating of the Work Plan when it is identified as necessary.
- Continuously monitor and update the risk analysis of the projects in the State and immediately inform the Program Manager of any discrepancy, challenge or difficulty encountered during the planning and execution of activities, especially when it may affect the achievement of RET objectives.
- Prepare a monthly report on operations in the State, providing information relevant to the interests and the institutional mission, including the evolution of the context, HR, security, and monitoring of the Work Plan, Budget and Purchasing Plan of the projects implemented in the State.
- Review and submit reports to WFP.
- Ensure communication and coordination with WFP through active participation in coordination meetings.
- Ensure the quality and relevance of information and the timeliness of delivery of local reports (programmatic, financial, technical and monitoring) required on the projects under their responsibility.
- Ensure that all field staff submit their periodic reports on time, in accordance with the requirements and deadlines set out in the work and monitoring and evaluation plans, and with the internal deadlines agreed with the Project Manager;
- Plan and monitor all RET interventions in the area of operation under your responsibility.
- Supervise the correct implementation of RET’s technical, programmatic, monitoring and financial procedures in the project activities in the area under its responsibility.
- Conduct frequent field missions to ensure that project activities are executed effectively in accordance with the work plan and as described in progress reports.
- Keep the data of each component of the project up to date and accessible, focusing on the information management system.
- Ensure the proper management of digital and printed files of projects and operations, ensuring their security, confidentiality, and backup.
- Ensure proper use of assets.
Security
- Ensure that the office complies with all minimum security, suitability and functionality requirements and standards of RET.
- Lead the implementation of the Security Plan in State operations and ensure that the project team is aware of it and effectively manages their roles and compliance;
- Take necessary measures for the safety of all personnel and implement actions in the event of an emergency or disaster, as appropriate;
- Immediately report key safety and security issues to the Project Manager and Program Manager.
- Develop and maintain a risk management register; proactively propose risk mitigation measures in areas of high potential risk (e.g. staff security, theft, etc.)
- By express delegation of the Country Program Manager, participate in coordination meetings with authorities and/or partners; and in inter-institutional coordination and articulation activities with national and international cooperation agencies and organizations.
Others
- Be in permanent contact and coordination with the RET Venezuela National Office.
- Ensure the execution of the assigned budget in an efficient and effective manner in coordination with the National Finance Officer and in full compliance with RET policies and procedures.
- Supervise RET personnel under his/her charge in coordination with the Country Program Manager and in strict compliance with the RET Human Resources Policy and Manual and the laws of the country.
- Organize workshops and training events, as coordinated with the National Office;
- Plan and accompany field missions of the National Office and Headquarters.
- Complete any additional tasks within the scope of their duties as requested by the Project Manager and Program Manager.
- Works with confidence and integrity and has a clear commitment to RET’s core values and principles, ensuring that activities and performance comply with the RET Code of Conduct, the PSEAH and other Manuals and Internal Policies;
- Ability to work independently and in a team, demonstrate management and leadership skills;
- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with relevant institutions and organisations, and with internal and external stakeholders, as a RET representative. These skills include effective negotiation and representation;
- Propose, in a constructive manner, alternative solutions to problems that arise in the work area.
- University degree in social sciences or a related discipline, Engineer with knowledge in project management. A master’s degree in project management, logistics or a related field is considered an advantage.
- A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in project formulation and management. Experience in UN agencies or NGOs is an advantage.
- Venezuelan nationality or permission to work in Venezuela is required (essential).
- Strong communication skills, complete command of the Spanish language both in writing and conversation;
- Availability to start work immediately is required.
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities.
- Results-oriented, with a track record of meeting objectives in a complex environment.
- Flexibility to handle different tasks effectively and willingness to put in overtime when necessary.
- Ability to travel, as required.
- Dominio de Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook).
How to apply
Applications
Applications must be sent to rrhh.ven@theret.org /y.torres@theret.org before September 16, 2024, indicating in the subject of the email: “Application for the position of Local Project Officer (State Coordinator)-Falcón”, attaching the following documents:
- Signed letter, addressed to RET, indicating the motivation for applying and the financial expectations.
- Updated resume with at least three verifiable work references.
Note: At the time of being selected as a local project officer, you must have a food handling certificate and a valid medical health certificate.
RET is an equal opportunity employer
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